Stanton resting due to hamstring cramp

MIAMI -- Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton, who has been heating up at the plate since moving to the No. 2 spot, was out of the lineup on Wednesday afternoon to rest some cramping in his left hamstring.

Manager Don Mattingly removed Stanton in the sixth inning on Tuesday night in a 7-2 win over the Phillies. After the game, the club said their 27-year-old slugger was fine. But on Wednesday, Miami decided to play it safe.

MIAMI -- Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton, who has been heating up at the plate since moving to the No. 2 spot, was out of the lineup on Wednesday afternoon to rest some cramping in his left hamstring.

Manager Don Mattingly removed Stanton in the sixth inning on Tuesday night in a 7-2 win over the Phillies. After the game, the club said their 27-year-old slugger was fine. But on Wednesday, Miami decided to play it safe.

"He came to me in that fifth inning and said he felt like he had a little cramp in his hammy," Mattingly said. "He said, 'I want to play tomorrow.' At that point, I was like, 'OK, get him out of there quick.' Today, he says he feels fine. He feels good. He's available to hit and all that. I just didn't feel like it was worth taking any chance. The fact it cramped a little bit last night, it made me nervous."

Ichiro Suzuki started in right field on Wednesday.

Mattingly is aiming to start Stanton on Thursday in the series opener against the D-backs at Marlins Park. Because that is an evening start, Stanton could rest almost two full days.

"I expect him to play tomorrow, honestly," Mattingly said. "But if he's not [ready, he won't]. He told the trainer today he thought he would play. For me, I'm being a little cautious."

Stanton has been on a roll since May 23, when he began batting in the No. 2 spot. He is hitting .414 with three home runs and seven RBIs, and he connected on a two-run homer in Tuesday's win.

Stanton has a slash line of .284/.349/.557 and is building an All-Star worthy case with his 14 home runs and 37 RBIs. He's eighth among all National League outfielders on the 2017 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot.

"He's going good," Mattingly said. "We're playing a little better. Early game [Wednesday]. It gives him almost two days off until tomorrow night. I feel like we have a lot better chance of not letting anything happen. With him, I'm trying to be cautious."

Worth noting

• Reliever Junichi Tazawa, on the disabled list with right cartilage inflammation, is throwing one inning to Minor League hitters on Wednesday at the team's complex in Jupiter, Fla. The right-hander is throwing every other day until his rehab assignment begins.

• Tom Koehler, on the DL with right shoulder bursitis, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Thursday. He should be making a rehab assignment soon, likely at Jupiter.

• Justin Nicolino (left index finger contusion) is expected to be placed on the disabled list to make roster room for Jeff Locke, who will be reinstated and start against the D-backs on Thursday. Locke has missed all season with left shoulder tendinitis.